Saltlik (Banff, AB, Canada)

Date of Visit: July 25,2009

Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada
Website: www.saltliksteakhouse.com

Patio + Beer = Tim wins!

The Menu: Categorized into very descriptive areas of food and drinks. The wine was uniquely categorized by taste (i.e. Bold, round, old world). First timers can rest easy as the server will walk you through the menu by describing the different cuts of meat, sides, and other dishes. Furthermore, visitors can inquire about the food and what to expect, such as the differences betweens the cuts of steaks. For instance, filet would be the most tender, whereas the ribeye would be thicker but have much more marbling in it).


Service: Servers were attentive yet not overbearing or annoying. Incredibly knowledgable about the wines and foods. Food was delievered promptly and elegantly.

Food: I love the option of choosing different cuts of meat with another sauce that may not be initially paired with the steak on the menu. For example, if you ordered the Blue Cheese California Cut New York but without the blue cheese and subsitute it with green peppercorn demi. The side dishes are perfect sizes to share with another individual and try other sides. I would highly recommend the Blue Cheese California Cut New York and a side of scalloped potatoes. DELICIOUS! Or as Tim likes to refer to it as, "EPICALLY AWESOME."

Environment:
-2 floors - the main floor is a posh lounge with a lovely bar. We sat down at the lounge for about a minute before there was a table available at the patio.
-The second flood is a more wood/cabin feel restaurant with a high end design. The patio was designed with heating lamps circulating the entire patio to ensure maximum heat retention. There were approximately 6 tables on the patio.
-The view, once again...breathtaking. I love the scenary of moutains surrounding you.


Drinks:
-The cocktails were interesting yet, not as appealing as I would have expected. It could have been my mood of the day that turned me off to most drinks. I did essentially have a strawberry daquiri with rum and it was sweet, refreshing, and satisfying (though, not great).
-As previously mentioned, the wine menu is categorized based on taste - perfect for wine drinkers unfamiliar with all types of wines but have an understanding of what appeals to the taste buds. For instance, some prefer fruity red wines, while some take preference to bold, round, old world types of wine.
-Beer selection seems average.

Overall Experience: Quite lovely and romantic! The sun was setting, the view was lovely, and the food was great. I was so filled that I had to waddle back to our hotel. But so worth it...*drool*

The Bison Restaurant & Lounge (Banff, AB, Canada)

Date of Visit: July 24, 25, and 26, 2009
Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada
Website: www.thebison.ca



Though the Bison did not initially lure Tim and I into the restaurant, the patio situated on the second floor was the selling point.

Patio + Beer = Tim cannot resist.

The Menu: Organized with few, but sufficient amount of appetizers, soups & salads, main dishes, drinks, and desserts. (Sorry, the words are blurry - but the menus for lunch and dinner is posted on the website)


Service: Servers were attentive, knowledgeable with the menu and details of each taste, prompt, and welcoming.

Food: Phenomenal! Unique twist to many simple dishes.
Examples:
-Wild Salmon was baked with the skin and served with mixed spring greens, roasted seasoned (large) cherry tomatoes, peppers, balsamic dressing.
-French toast with homemade bread, specialty cheese, bacon, blueberries, and frosted sugar.
-Bison chili with homemade bread and melted butter.

Environment:
-2 floors - the main floor is the sandwich take-out spot, bar, and indoor/outdoor lounge. The top floor is the main dining area, kitchen, and patio (picture seen below). It has a wonderful view of the mountains.
-Design inside is warm with the lower floor as more of a cabin feel (there is a large table made of a slice of older tree and smaller tables are made with tree stumps painted over). On the top floor, the dining area is a posh design - perfect for more formal dining and parties.

Drinks:
-BEST Caesars ever!! 4 interesting concoctions that make each with an interesting and strong flavor.
-BEST mojito! Light, refreshing, minty, with the right amount of Jamacian rum! Yummy in my tummy!
-Various beers with a particular delicious Grizzly Paw. It was crisp, darker, with minimal after taste.



Overall Experience: Wonderful! Considering Tim and I spent every day we were in Banff to visit during Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner - we had a phenomenal experience. My personal favourite caesar would have to be hands down the Burger Caesar. It had a wonderful taste that truly presented a smoky BBQ burger with a crusted rim (for the bread). I loved this hidden gem on Bear St!